CUPW Postal Workers Support UPCE

For two days running, more than 300 letter carriers took their coffee at 8 a.m. outside the VMPP in a show of support for the striking UPCE workers. Some of the picketers were overwhelmed with emotion from this act of solidarity. The UPCE workers applauded in appreciation, as the posties walked around the building before heading back to work at Depot 74, Station K, and Mountainview DC. The UPCE expressed their surprise and pleasure at this huge show of support.

The Mail Service Couriers who have been queuing in long lines to get out of or back into the VMPP have been very patient and supportive of the striking workers.

The UPCE pickets were up at VPDC Wednesday night, preventing trucks from entering or exiting the grounds. The shift Manager appeared first, followed sometime later by the plant Director and S & I. The RCMP were called in, with three cruisers showing up. The police determined that the picketers were not blocking traffic, and were in fact conducting a legal strike outside their place of work. In this picket, as with the VMPP picket lines, the strikers were joined with support from CUPW.

The Union of Postal Communications Employees are on strike for a new Collective Agreement without the rollbacks that Canada Post would like to impose. The following points are from their latest bulletin:

UPCE, a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) represents 2,400 employees of Canada Post Corporation, who do clerical, administrative, technical and professional work. UPCE is the smallest bargaining unit at Canada Post and is a predominantly female group.

A 25-year pay equity complaint against Canada Post is going to the Supreme Court of Canada.

As of November 17, we have been on a legal strike. This is the third strike in 7 years by this small, female-dominated bargaining unit. No other union at Canada Post has been on strike in the last decade.

This is a strike against concessions to our sick leave plan. It is a strike for fairness and dignity. The bargaining unit voted almost 90% in favour of strike action to save their sick leave program.

The main issue preventing an agreement is the employer’s attempt to impose a new short-term disability management scheme to replace current sick leave entitlements.

This strike is an early warning of future problems, namely the Corporation’s attempt to achieve the eventual deregulation of our universal and public postal service.

CUPW members, our turn is coming. Canada Post President Moya Greene has stated that it is the intention of Canada Post to impose the STD (Short Term Disability) plan on all Canada Post workers. A show of solidarity by CUPW members for the striking workers is not only encouraging for them, but is an opportunity to take a stand against Canada Post for what is our fight too. Say no to STD!

If the picket line is at your work location, join it before or after your shift.

In Solidarity,

Robert Mulvin
President